Crisfield, Maryland Photographer

Gas: Twenty-four cents a gallon

2012-02-11T00:05:00.022-05:00

Pocomoke, Maryland Discover Center

For a look back at the good old days, visit the Discover Center in Pocomoke, Maryland. No, you can't buy gas there for the price shown on the pump, but you can remember...

I am not picking on Valero. I just snapped this photo on Monday while shopping in Salisbury, and it was handy.

Now serving...

2012-02-10T15:42:00.002-05:00

Fiery drinks

“Drink moderately, for drunkenness neither keeps a secret, nor observes a promise” ~ Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Yes, those are real drinks.

One shot...

2012-02-10T00:38:00.019-05:00

Thailand photo

"There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eye must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever." ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

Fun with friends...

2012-02-09T16:46:00.000-05:00

Famous toasts by Alexander Pope

"Mingle with the friendly bowl,
The feast of reason and the flow of the soul." ~ Alexander Pope

The perils of the profession

2012-02-09T00:44:00.066-05:00

The perils of the profession

I was recently grumbling about some of the obstacles that news photographers have to overcome on a daily basis, most of them due to human, yet understandable ignorance of the hows and whys of cameras and the way light works (no, we can't shoot through 9 foot floral arrangements placed around podiums, nor do we have time to erase a microphone sticking in someone's eye; we can't magically make someone's face appear from behind a table arrangement, or get the photo you want for your news if you have your tables mashed up against walls, and we hate it when you hold an outdoor event that puts the sun directly to your back - so do the people who have to view the event in the blinding sun).

If I had a yearning to come out of retirement, I think I could make a fine living teaching businesses, corporations, and individuals how to get the best bang out of their news photos.

I have a list of about 100 things that absolutely irritate professional photographers, and not all of them are due to human ignorance, as evidenced by this filtered photo. Only cable, electrical, and phone-line installers realize how many lines cross the skies. And, of course, photographers. No, I can't teach any one about that, but there are still 99 other things on my list, and well over half are avoidable.

A study in black and white

2012-02-08T18:29:00.000-05:00

Photos of Crisfield, Maryland

"Our job is to record, each in his own way, this world of light and shadow and time that will never come again exactly as it is today." ~ Edward Abbey

A coat that gets around...

2012-02-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

I love an man in a uniform quote..

I love a man in uniform, but I think I love that coat more.

Dogfight, anyone?

2012-02-08T00:47:00.002-05:00

Dogfight

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." ~ Author: some think Leonardo da Vinci

Whose kitchen is this?

2012-02-07T00:14:00.021-05:00

fifties kitchen

"I am especially grateful, however, to have known the fifties, before we began to poison our own civilization - or at least before the effects of the poison began to be felt." ~ Orson Scott Card

If you grew up in the fifties, you may have had a kitchen like this. Does anyone know whose kitchen this is?

Those who follow my blog will find one clue in the photo.

Diving Down Under, literally...

2012-02-06T00:01:00.002-05:00

Diving in Australia

"Australia is about as far away as you can get. I like that." ~ Andre Benjamin

25 photos=long load time. Be please patient.

I love that mountain-top runway...

There have been massive floods in Australia that have washed pollutants and fresh water into the in-shore Great Barrier Reef. Coral is extremely vulnerable to fresh water. The deep offshore reefs seem to be doing well, so keep your dive schedules on target.

New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46

2012-02-04T19:50:00.005-05:00

Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46

The one thing that they don't teach you in photojournalism school is that when you shoot for a newspaper, you have no opinions. Writers have opinions and of course, editors have opinions, but photographers are recorders of the moment. The only things we get invloved in are the controls on our cameras, and wondering to ourselves who decided to put 9 foot floral arrangements around podiums, or on tables, or who was responsible for setting up events at the most horrendous sun-times of the day, but I digress. This is about football.

I learned a lot during my training in 1985, in my favorite city, Cambridge, MA. So naturally, I am a Patriots fan, and I can now say that because I am retired. I rooted for the Pats to beat the Ravens. What a game that was. Whoot! Whoot!

Being from Georgia, you would think I would be a Falcons fan. Nope. They loose way too much, though they did make it to the Super Bowl one year.

Anyway, I am proud of my Pats, and will be rooting from them tomorrow. My favorite player is Vince Wilfork. Don't ask me why. Just good vibes, I guess.

Anyway, I will not have a post tomorrow. I won't be tweeting or face-booking. I will return on Monday.

Oh, and the reason for this post: the official beer of this blogger, Oscar Blues Ten FIDY. I can't stand the smell of alcohol, so the only "strong stuff" I touch is a well-made Mint Julep on a warm day, and no one in this part of the country knows how to make a Mint Julep (and there are no proper southern porches for sitting or sipping), as I have discussed before. Wine is way too sweet, and most beer tastes like swamp water. When I drink, I prefer a strong, dark beer (must be more German than Russian in me), and I finally found the Holy Grail of beer, as least as far as my taste goes.

Oscar Blues Ten FIDY is as thick as motor oil, and as black. The only place to get it around here is at Cheers in Salisbury (limited supply), and I always pick up a case in Bel Air. Ten FIDY goes well with chocolate, and though I would not know, they say it compliments a good cigar. The alcohol content is almost 11%, which is why I probably won't be pecking at iPads or iPhones tomorrow, and a case will set you back eighty-bucks. It is a seasonal beer, so buy and stash like gold. Oh, and drink sparingly.

Update: Yes, my team lost. But there is always next year.

Go fly a kite in Cape May, New Jersey

2012-02-04T00:45:00.001-05:00

Go fly a kite in Cape May, New Jersey
I have accidentally run upon a lot of sunsets lately (the last one was taken on the bay, this one on the ocean). They are always so different, like snowflakes. Even when in a hurry, I sometimes have to take pause.

Filtered photo

Timeless

2012-02-03T00:01:00.035-05:00

Timeless photo

I had to make a quick stop to grab this photo of a Sunday-porch-preacher reading to a man on an almost spring-like afternoon. Change the clothing, and add your own time-line.

I have no idea who these people are; I just stopped my car, got out, nodded with my camera, snapped, and moved on.

To make it a more "timeless" photo, I transformed it into black and white. It reminds me of the days when people had time to sit on their porches and listen to salesmen and traveling preachers.

Winter Photo

2012-02-02T00:57:00.002-05:00

Winter ice photo

“In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer” ~ Albert Camus

Castle Burg Guntenfels

2012-02-01T00:54:00.032-05:00

Castle Burg Guntenfels photo

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ~ Henry Miller

If you are looking for a private-like stay in a 13th-century castle, this is the place; you want be bothered by pesky tourists, either.

This historic castle towers above the town of Kaub in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It was built in 1220. Pretty cool, eh?

Sunsets and Politics

2012-01-31T00:57:00.017-05:00

Ronald Reagan quotes about America

“Some may try and tell us that this is the end of an era. But what they overlook is that in America, every day is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become, but is always in the act of becoming. Emerson was right: America is the land of tomorrow.” ~ Ronald Reagan

January, 2011 sunset

My secret source of healthy eggs

2012-01-30T00:20:00.003-05:00

Vegetarians live longer

“I did not become a vegetarian for my health, I did it for the health of the chickens.” ~ Isaac Bashevis Singer, 1902 - 1991, famous author and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, 1978.

Followers of this blog know that I have a few secret places where I enjoy shooting. I have never disclosed the locations. Too beautiful to share except in photographs.

I also have a secret source of eggs. I can not disclose that location because there would not be enough eggs for me. The supply is very limited.

I have been a vegetarian for over thirty years, and up until two years ago, I have not had an egg in all that time.

I have checked out many free-range chickens because chickens raised in factory farms are pumped full of hormones (don't believe what those advertisements tell you on the TV), live miserable short lives, and of course end up in slaughter/horror houses.

In my search I have never been able to find anyone who did not kill their chickens for food until 2 years ago. I saw a posting on the bulletin board at my vets office and called the number. After the "interview" I was extremely pleased to find out that the chickens lived out their natural lives in pure luxury. They are pets, and when one gets sick they are humanely put to sleep by a veterinarian.

The owners have created scratching places, and there is always fresh chicken-pickings for them to snack on. And of course the feed is all organic.

One of the gals eyes a corn cob, picked clean. They love their corn cobs.

Only the finest accommodations will do. They even have a pond.

Not only are the eggs healthy, they come in colors! No special feed is used except the best organic brands. The gals are special breeds that lay naturally colored eggs. Red, brown, and blue/green.

iPhone photo

Artist mix

2012-01-29T00:21:00.000-05:00

Cat folk art painting, Vietnam folk art painting

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." ~Pablo Picasso

Today I am posting a commissioned painting. It was commissioned by a Vietnam vet (door gunner on a Huey), a cat lover no doubt. People around these parts know my husband is a folk artist, but few know that I too, am a folk artist. I began in the seventies and have sold hundreds of paintings.

I seldom paint these days, but once I get my photos organized and some travels in, and get the house ready for market, I will get back to my roots, so look for my work on Etsy in the future (photos and greeting cards too!).

Back to the photo. Why is there a cat in the photo? Remember, I told you the person who commissioned the painting is a cat lover? He knew that I was a folk artist too, and so wanted me to put my touch to the canvas. Because cats are such a large part in the lives of those who love them, I made him the central point, and let my husband take over from there. He added some spiritual symbols to his normal icons because the owner is a minister. It is not the first time we have teamed up to create a painting.

Collectors look for 3 items in my husband's work: his White Dog; there was a white dog that hung around his hooch in Vietnam. He considered him one of his lucky charms. A fireball that he calls "Message's from Nam"; the interpretation is left to the viewer, and a squiggly in the form of a "D" with two hatch-marks inside that represents his high school friend who was killed in Vietnam. This is placed directly under his signature and is the last thing to into the painting. All of these symbols can be seen painted on the Vietnam-era Huey, on display for many more years at the Price of Freedom exhibit at the National Museum of American History located on the National Mall in DC.

And yes, I signed the painting but is hardly visible. My husband is the star artist.

Garrett County, Maryland folk art painting

2012-01-28T00:10:00.030-05:00

Garrett County folk art painting

Today I am posting a painting by my husband. He has been a folk artist/outsider artist/visionary artist since 1994 (people call this style of art many things). If you check out tomorrow's post you will see one of our joint paintings.

This painting is of a working farm in Garrett County, Maryland, a place we frequent often because our son owns a vacation home in the area. Folk artists take many liberties when creating a painting from real life. They see things others do not see. That is what makes them not only special but highly collectible.

Of course art is in the eye of the beholder. One collector in Texas owns 12 of my husband's paintings and, I kid you not, he took down an original painting from one of the old master painters of the early 19th century from his fireplace, replacing it with one of my husband's painting.

This painting is 16x20 on stretched canvas, ready to hang. Email for price.

Three things go into his paintings: A fireball (sometimes several) that he calls "Messages from 'Nam" - he was a USMC door gunner on a helicopter from 66-67, and recipient of the Purple Heart.

A white dog hung around his hooch in Vietnam and my husband claimed him as one of his many lucky charms; White Dog can be seen anywhere in a painting, in this case he seems to be helping in the fields. White Dog can be dominant in the painting or simply put, hard to find.

The last thing that goes into my husband's paintings is a squiggly with two hatch-marks that appears under his signature, a tribute to his high-school friend who joined the Marines with him on the buddy program. His friend was killed in Vietnam, but his spirit lives in each painting.

Sometimes my husband adds a a Huey helicopter in his paintings. Though not in this painting, it is often requested in commissioned paintings, even non-Vietnam pieces, and is another item collectors look for in his work.

If you have ever seen the Huey helicopter display at the Price of Freedom exhibit at the American History Museum in Washington, DC, you may have noticed his three icons painted on the side of the door, as well as the POW symbol, folk-art style. My husband was part of the filming of a Vietnam documentary that involved the Huey. He painted the icons on the helicopter during the filming.

The exhibit will be there for many more years, so check it out - Price of Freedom: Americans at War. Exhibit is on third floor.

~ ~ ~

Huey091 is shown landing in our backyard in Georgia for the filming of the documentary. It is there my husband added his trademarks to the now-famous helicopter. We had 6 acres, but it was a tight land. Any more to the right and the Huey would have ended up in 100 blueberry bushes; anymore to the left would have put them into our dock and into the river. It took almost 30 minutes to land in that tight spot.

On the National Mall

My husband is shown in tan jacket.

Close-up of art work on Huey inside the exhibit. I have some great shots of the helicopter on exhibit, but I have no idea where they are. Perhaps I will come across them later, or you could just visit. Wink, wink. It is an awesome exhibit, and to think that helicopter is now on the third floor!

Birds of a feather...

2012-01-27T11:57:00.000-05:00

Birds of a feather quotes

"I'd never just want to do what everybody else did. I'd be contributing to the sameness of everything." ~ Don Van Vliet

Filtered photo ( I am now filtering a lot of photos for greeting card purposes).

No Food, No Farms

2012-01-26T00:43:00.014-05:00

No Food, No Farms, Rowlesburg, WV Volunteer Fire Department

A snap from Rowelesburg, WV, worthy of a post.

Glass sunset

2012-01-25T20:20:00.000-05:00

Glass sky photo

“Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered for they are gone forever.” ~ Horace Mann

This was a really pretty sunset, but I decided to play with it, hence the appearance of glass or a flash bouncing off the heavens.

Dog Wolf plays the flute

2012-01-25T00:39:00.000-05:00

Native American flute

This is a friend of ours, a full-bloodied Native American of the Apache Tribe, a truly wonderful person who knows how to talk to the spirits. And oh, how he can play the flute. Our home still sings from the notes he left behind. Love you, Dog Wolf.

Staunton, VA historic buildings

2012-01-24T00:10:00.000-05:00

Staunton, VA historic buildings

"History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity." ~Dexter Perkins

Staunton, VA has over 1000 historic buildings. Kudos to preserving them.

Go Directly to Boardwalk

2012-01-23T00:34:00.014-05:00

Boardwalk in Atlantic City
I may have landed on Boardwalk but I did not come away a millionaire. Had fun, though.

Lost Osprey Photo

2012-01-22T01:14:00.000-05:00

Osprey photo

"The very idea of a bird is a symbol and a suggestion to the poet. A bird seems to be at the top of the scale, so vehement and intense his life. . . . The beautiful vagabonds, endowed with every grace, masters of all climes, and knowing no bounds -- how many human aspirations are realized in their free, holiday-lives -- and how many suggestions to the poet in their flight and song!" ~ John Burroughs

While cleaning out some files, I found this baby Osprey, photographed from our boat this past summer with a telephoto lens as we went whizzing by. Wonder where he/she is today?

Crisfield Fire, January 21, 2012

2012-01-21T15:45:00.001-05:00

Crisfield Fire, January 21, 2012

I never enjoyed covering tragedies for newspapers, and I have had to cover many in my career. Last week, I took photos of an oil tanker truck that had exploded. Thankfully, no one was badly injured.

Yes, I am still retired, but I don't mind helping out our local paper if I am in town. Read full coverage in Jan 25 edition of Crisfield-Somerset County Times.

Thankfully, no one was hurt. I always think of the people involved in tragedies such as this when I shoot, and in this case, the firefighters who were quick to contain this fire, a fire that could have taken down many homes.

What it's like to watch your home burn is something no one can imagine except those who watch their lives go up in smoke. My thoughts go out to the family.

If you lived here, you'd be home now...

2012-01-21T00:02:00.008-05:00

Crisfield condos

A quick snap from the water.

Vineyards of Germany

2012-01-20T00:27:00.019-05:00

Vineyards of Germany, Basil Bunting quote
"Always carry a corkscrew and the wine shall provide itself." ~ Basil Bunting

We brought back some wonderful ice wine. Aged and ready for a "special" party.

Seedy side of Baltimore...

2012-01-19T01:28:00.000-05:00

Billie Holiday quote on Drugs""

"Dope never helped anybody sing better or play music better or do anything better. All dope can do for you is kill you - and kill you the long, slow, hard way.” ~ Billie Holiday

To you, this may look like a dangerous place to go; to a photographer, it is just another place to document life. Photojournalist never fear what is on the other side of the camera, and if we die, we hope we die getting a good photo.

If Congress ruled the Internet?

2012-01-18T08:29:00.002-05:00

Stop SOPA

It could happen today. Click here to stop them.

One of my favorite ghost houses, gone.

2012-01-17T18:47:00.000-05:00

Ghost House

"He who loves an old house never loves in vain." ~ Isabel La Howe Conant

Remember this house? It was one of the most photographed houses in Crisfield, also painted by artists. From the top floor one could enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding bay.

Below, is what is left of her. We knew she was coming down and someone was supposed to call me so I could take photos for the Crisfield-Somerset County Times. It would have been nice to have attended her funeral.

The color yellow

2012-01-17T02:11:00.000-05:00

About the color yellow, yellow car in Germany

Yellow is considered to be the happiest color; no wonder my eyes averted from the beauties of the little German village to the tiny car atop the hill.

filtered photo
I love Germany. People are so proud of some of their towns you couldn't find a piece of trash on the streets if you were Sherlock Holmes. In the US, people think nothing of putting cigarette butts and coffee cups in flower boxes, much less throwing their Happy Meal boxes out car windows. It is an education thing. We could certainly learn something from European Countries in the ways of "housekeeping."

German House

2012-01-15T23:57:00.000-05:00

German village quotes

"Oh, to own a quaint home in an old world village; beer in the pantry, bread and cheese on the table, a sleeping dog by the fire, and time to walk the cobbled streets."

Future Marine in the making at Quantico Marine Base

2012-01-15T23:55:00.000-05:00

Future Marine in the making, Quantico, VA USMC

I usually add a few words or a quote to go with my photos, but this is one photo that needs no words. Sweet.

House For Sale in Crisfield, MD. - late February, 2012 - Wanted: House in Front Royal, VA

2012-01-15T20:00:00.005-05:00

Crisfield, MD house for sale, Want cabin in woods in Front Royal

"I'll light the fire
You put the flowers in the vase
That you bought today

Staring at the fire
For hours and hours
While I listen to you
Play your love songs
All night long for me
Only for me

Come to me now
And rest your head for just five minutes
Everything is good
Such a cozy room
The windows are illuminated
By the sunshine through them
Fiery gems for you
Only for you

Our house is a very, very fine house
With two cats in the yard
Life used to be so hard
Now everything is easy
'Cause of you..." ~ Lyrics by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

NO, this is not the house. I ran across these photos of our old home in Georgia, some taken with a cheap point and shoot camera (I have to add that because a few of the photos were quick snaps taken at low resolution).

We miss the woods and our walking trails. We miss our six acres. We miss the Chattahoochee River that ran by our house. We miss the peace and quiet, although our neighborhood is extremely quiet. One could not ask for better neighbors. Having good neighbors is one of the most important part of home ownership. That should be factored into an appraisal!

I miss my Land Rover!

I miss leisurely breakfasts off the deck of our bedroom, located on the second level.

I miss our swing and dock.

This was the little creek that ran behind our home. A little dry on this day. Path to the river runs beside it. I also miss out tiki bar where we had so much fun with friends. I can't find a photo, but I will run across it later. Tiki-bar was located between the swing and dock and had a great view of the river. Visualize.

Last, but not least, I miss the views from the many windows.

As I mentioned in a recent post, we are getting our house in Crisfield ready for the market (photos coming mid February). So much to pack, store, and donate, but we are getting there. We should be ready to show the house in 30-45 days. Brokers are welcome to contact me.

We want an exclusive; no street sign, and only the broker will be allowed to show the house. I will provide you with photos (how cool is that? And they will be better than these point and shoots. In fact, they will be fantastic!) along with a web-page that links only to you. That is how we sold our last house, and it worked very well for the broker.

If you are in the market for a house in Crisfield, email me. Price is $160,000 furnished (1,800 sq ft, 3 stories, with 400 sq ft open vaulted room on third level).

We have decided on a zen-like house, meaning nothing comes in that is not necessary, so we are getting rid of all the things that serve no purpose except for dusting.

Price will be higher once we give it to a Realtor, and I will not be able to discuss the house once it lists sometimes mid/late February. It will make a great vacation home or full-time home for an artist, water-lovers, or people who just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You can bike to the marina or walk to the water.

We had thought about going back to Georgia where all our long-time friends are, but decided that Front Royal, VA is the place for us; close to our son's 100 acre vacation retreat in Garrett County, MD, his work and his home. We also have friends in Pocomoke who own a vacation home in Staunton, VA, and Front Royal will put us close to both their home and vacation home. And we have friends in Princess Anne, so sticking around this part of the country is the best option.

Realtors in Front Royal: Study our Georgia house, and send me an email if anything becomes available. We want a downsized home, one-story cabin-style with lots of windows, open floor plan with at least five acres, and trees! Nothing older than 7 years. Must have wood floors and wood burning fireplace. My husband is an artist so an outbuilding would be a plus. Wood ceilings and walls also a plus. We like vaulted ceilings. Small but spacious is the key.

Oh, and unlike our previous home, we don't want a rolling landscape. Keep it flat, at least where the house is. Also, take a gander at those steps to the rear of our old house. Four or five steps to a back or side deck is all we want. No more than two to four steps at entrance, if any. We also want more woods and less yard. We hate yard work and want to spend our time being creative and traveling, not chasing down weeds.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow knew sunssets

2012-01-15T00:26:00.004-05:00

Sunset at Chincoteague, VA. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow quotes

"Down sank the great red sun, and in golden, glimmering vapors Veiled the light of his face, like the Prophet descending from Sinai." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Check out the Chamber site and make your 2012 events. Beautiful anytime of the year.

New Jersey Chopper on Cape May Ferry

2012-01-14T00:02:00.013-05:00

George Hanson in Easy Rider

"You know, this used to be a helluva good country. I can't understand what's gone wrong with it." ~ George Hanson in Easy Rider

Meet Miss Jingles

2012-01-13T00:47:00.002-05:00

Charlotte Gray cat quotes
"After scolding one's cat one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference." ~ Charlotte Gray

Psychedelic Steps

2012-01-12T00:16:00.018-05:00

Roland Barthe quotes"The photographic image ... is a message without a code." ~ Roland Barthe

A Winter's Window

2012-01-11T01:10:00.014-05:00

Alfred Stieglitz quote
“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” ~ Alfred Stieglitz

Oil tanker truck fire in Princess Anne, Maryland

2012-01-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

Oil tanker truck fire in Princess Anne, Maryland
Lately, I have been leaving my cameras at home unless we are traveling or I want to shoot something specific. As I was walking out the door to head to Salisbury and Princess Anne for errands, something told me to take a camera. It was two levels up, and so my mind argued with my body about trudging up to the studio. Once there, I picked the camera with the most versatile lens (my other lenses were on the second floor in my camera bag).

When I reached the lower level and touched the door knob, something told me to switch lenses to my 70-200 telephoto, something that would have been more useful for shooting the below photos. That would require another trip one level up, and since my mind won the first the battle, I let my body win the second and so left without my telephoto.

Call it Global Consciousness, something I believe in, or photographer's ESP; I was forewarned that the immediate future held something that I needed to document.

While shopping at Food Lion, my husband came up and told me there had been a bad accident near the store. A bad accident it was, but luckily there were no major injuries. You can read full story in the January 18 edition of the Crisfield-Somerset County Times.

Thank you to the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Department and law-enforcement officials for respecting my profession, even though I am retired. In this digital age, people try to capture everything with phone cameras. News photographers are trained to stay out of the way and still be able to get up close and personal. We know what is front of us, behind us, and can pretty much predict the movement of emergency workers, so please, unless you have special training, stay back and shoot from a safe distance.

My thoughts go out to those involved in the accident. Glad there were no serious injuries.

Ponder the warmth of the sun...

2012-01-10T00:46:00.003-05:00

“The sun shines and warms and lights us and we have no curiosity to know why this is so; but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain, and hunger, and mosquitoes and silly people” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Slightly filtered photo

Sunset Highway

2012-01-09T00:52:00.002-05:00

Sunset Highway

"Art starts where consciousness ends. This is why we must invent untruths for those who require explanations." ~ Patrick Summerfield, Creative Camera April 1970, p. 118

Peace in the Valley

2012-01-08T01:04:00.002-05:00

Valley photo

Valley Info:

Public Notice - Cease and Desist

2012-01-08T00:01:00.005-05:00

Cease and Desist

I have not had much luck in relaying to people the meaning of copyright laws when it comes to my photos. Simply put, you cannot steal my photos. Even people whom I have given permission to use my photos without my embedded copyright have been lax in giving me credit.

I have been overly generous, giving away a few thousand photos over the past 3 years. Some of them have been on CDs and some are scattered in numerous computers sent via emails and presented in good faith on thumb drives.

When photos are passed on, lost, or misfiled without copyrights, there is no telling where they will end up. I see my photos everywhere these days and have become quite frustrated.

For the past year or so, I have had to embed a copyright into my photos. There are about 3 years of photos on my site with no copyrights and they are open to theft. Even with copyrights, people have ways of removing or cropping them out. I could plaster my name in huge letters across the photos but the viewing is not as enjoyable.

On July 18, 2010, I posted a copyright notice on my side bar. It has done little to stop the misuse of my photos. So, one more time: No, you cannot use my photos without my written permission. And if you do use a photo on the Internet, you must link it back to this blog. Posters, brochures, or any printed materials, must contain my name.

I am using this post as public notice to anyone who has posted one of my photos on the Internet (FaceBook, Twitter, personal and professional websites) without a link back to this blog and proper credit to the author: You are to immediately remove any and all photos. If you still want to use them, you can make a written request and I will supply you with a copy of a copyrighted photo. I hate to use the Cease and Desist law, but I have some people in my radar as I write this.

Also, those who have been given photos without copyrights for specific purposes will be held responsible if they fall into the wrong hands. Please safeguard these photos. In the future I will require that you make a written request for each photo, and to inform me when and where the photo will be used. I also will require a copy of the publication.

I sell both limited and full rights to photos. Contact me for info.

Battlestar Galactica Raptor Helmet Season 1

2012-01-07T00:55:00.016-05:00

Battlestar Galactica Raptor Helmet Season 1

"So the fate... of the entire human race depends upon my wild guess." ~ Doctor Gaius Baltar

Audrey Hepburn quote...

2012-01-06T01:25:00.018-05:00

Audrey Hepburn quotes, old books"Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw, thinking about it, looking it up in a book, and remembering - because you can't take it in all at once." ~ Audrey Hepburn

Photo taken at Jolly Rogers in Staunton, VA

Clouds in your life?

2012-01-05T00:13:00.012-05:00

Rabindranath Tagore quotes
"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

Masquerade Ball

2012-01-04T00:06:00.011-05:00

Masquerade Ball

Gearing up for a masquerade ball. Not exactly what I will be wearing. Any suggestions?

Beach Babe to warm your bones

2012-01-03T02:43:00.047-05:00

Beach Babe cat

"The way to get on with a cat is to treat it as an equal - or even better, as the superior it knows itself to be." ~ Elizabeth Peters

This
Afternoon

Chance
Snow
Hi 35 °F

Tonight

Chance
Snow
Lo 17 °F

Wednesday

Increasing
Clouds
Hi 35 °F

Wednesday
Night

Mostly
Cloudy
Lo 30 °F

Thursday

Mostly
Sunny
Hi 46 °F

Thursday
Night

Mostly
Clear
Lo 32 °F

Friday

Sunny

Hi 52 °F

Friday
Night

Mostly
Clear
Lo 42 °F

Saturday

Mostly
Sunny
Hi 54 °F

It has been unseasonable warm this winter but Old Man Winter is sending us a reminding that he has not forgotten us. Temps will be dipping into the teens tonight, climbing into the thirties on Wednesday, a far cry from those recent almost sixty-degree days we have enjoyed. The good news it will be warming up on Friday. Everyone to the pool! At least Polar Cats.

A friend of ours sent these photos of their cat lounging around their pool on a warm sunny day. I have had my share of cat photos on this blog lately, but come on - how could I not use this cutie to remind you of warmer days to come?

Ah, the good life.

Winter Cherub

2012-01-02T00:47:00.000-05:00

Winter cherub

"Every winter,
When the great sun has turned his face away,
The earth goes down into a vale of grief,
And fasts, and weeps, and shrouds herself in sables,
Leaving her wedding-garlands to decay -
Then leaps in spring to his returning kisses." ~Charles Kingsley

New Year's dinner - Black-eyed peas, Mint Juleps, and...lobster?

2012-01-01T21:10:00.001-05:00

Black-eyed peas and collard greens

I am a Southerner. I have Southern manners which means I like people, I'm friendly, and I'm always willing to help out with a good cause. I also love a perfectly made Mint Julep, something I made before this crazy meal which was part Southern, part New England (my favorite part of the country), and part Maryland. Sorry I did not take a photo of the drink; cooking and taking photos becomes a little messy, especially for the camera, in this case my iPhone.

Mint Juleps don't taste as good in Maryland because 1: I don't think they know how to make them and 2: In order to enjoy them you need an old fashioned veranda with a couple of swings, rocking chairs, a few hand-fans to move the sweetness of the night air across your face, and of course other Southerners to sip your Julep with. Set that scene on a bug-less summer night and you have conjured heaven to you doorstep.

Another thing that Southerners love is collard greens and black-eyed peas, and of course corn bread. Not that sweet stuff they make in Maryland. It tastes like cake and if you are going to put sugar in your cornbread put in on a dessert plate and lop some ice cream on top of it. The cornbread in this photo is real cornbread!

Over the holidays we have consumed a mass quantity of food so I wanted to make our New Year's dinner simple, especially after that fattening but oh-so-yummy Russian pancake brunch we had this afternoon (I emphasize "afternoon" because it was a long night), so we made crab cakes from local crab, picked up some Maine lobsters, and cooked what we used to call in Georgia, "A mess of greens and black-eyed peas." I grabbed this quick pic with my iPhone, so enjoy. Though it may look a might simple it was delicious. And there was left-over crab for freezing.

More on the Mint Julep: It originated in England but was made famous in the States in the eighteenth century. The Deep South was sipping on Juleps years before 1938, when it became associated with the Kentucky Derby. Maryland, Virginia, and Louisiana all lay claim to creating the Southern Mint Julep, but records show that John Rutledge, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of South Carolina from 1779 to 1782, introduced the Mint Julep to South Carolina over 20 years before it reached Virginia.

I am of the mind that only a true Southerner knows how to properly make a Mint Julep. Ingredients are important: Brown sugar, properly shaved ice, crushed fresh mint, Basil Hayden's Bourbon is my favorite, and I like my Mint Julep served in a pewter cup. If not made correctly your Julep will taste a little like cough syrup, which is why I say I have not have a good Mint Julep away from my house since leaving Georgia. Ask any bartender in Kentucky and they will tell you that locals seldom order the drink, and that the majority of Juleps are served to tourists during the Kentucky Derby.

Happy New Year, and I hope everyone enjoyed their special meals. Now it's time to get back to those treadmills.

Traditional Syrniki (Russian pancakes) Brunch

2012-01-01T15:05:00.002-05:00

Traditional Syrniki (Russian pancakes) Brunch

Being of Russian heritage I enjoy a variety of Russian foods. One of my favorites is Syrniki pancakes. I have tried many recipes and non compares to the most recent, found in the Wall Street Journal. I whipped up a batch for New Year's bunch.

Sausage is veggie sausage. And yes, I did have my Russian tea earlier. Funny contrast in the writing on the orange juice glass. I brought a set from the waiter at a village cafe while on assignment in Buriram, Thailand.

Amazingly there is little flour in these pancakes. A few tablespoons of flour and cream of wheat, along with eggs (I get mine from free-roaming happy chickens that are never killed), are the binding agents. Salted Farmers cheese is the main ingredient. Raisins soaked in black tea give the pancakes an old world flavor. Check out the recipe at the WSJ.

Note that if you live in this area you may have to think ahead when making this. I could not find the salted cheese anywhere in Crisfield or Salisbury. Still waiting on a Wegmans in the Bury.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:01:00.011-05:00

Happy New Year
“New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.” ~ James Agate

That sounds like something a cat would say if they could humanease. Do cats make New Year's resolutions?

Model is Marie, a rescued Maine Coon cat, who tolerates us gladly except during nap time.

Peace on Earth

2011-12-31T00:30:00.013-05:00

Peace on Earth Quotes

"Peace is always beautiful." ~ Walt Whitman

Snow Dog

2011-12-30T00:57:00.008-05:00

“If your dog doesn't like someone, you probably shouldn't either”

Lighthouse near Smith Island

2011-12-29T00:51:00.000-05:00

Solomon’s Lump Lighthouse near Smith Island, Maryland

“Anythin' for a quiet life, as the man said when he took the situation at the lighthouse” ~ Charles Dickens

Filtered photo...I love the bird sailing in for a landing.

Something old...

2011-12-28T00:13:00.000-05:00

Something old...

Chincoteague Beach

2011-12-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Chincoteague Beach

I love it when the tourists go away. Nothing like a walk on the beach to get rid of some of those extra Thanksgiving Day pounds. What better way to make room for Christmas goody pounds?

Too cute to resist

2011-12-26T21:00:00.000-05:00

Too cute to resist

No hoomuns wer harmed in the taking of this foto...

Happy Kwanzaa

2011-12-26T04:40:00.031-05:00

Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga
"Kwanzaa does not replace Christmas and is not a religious holiday. It is a time to focus on Africa and African-inspired culture and to reinforce a value system that goes back for generations." ~ Eric V. Copage

Pulling out some old files in celebration of Kwanzaa that begins today and ends on January 1.

Kwanzaa creator Dr. Maulana Karenga

Kwanzaa is now popular in Canada, Brazil, Jamaica, France, and Great Britain.

Merry Christmas from me to you...

2011-12-25T00:01:00.017-05:00

Merry Christmas from Thomas West, VA

"May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!"

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T00:03:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve

"Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever." ~ Bess Streeter Aldrich

Lights of the season...

2011-12-23T00:50:00.036-05:00

Christmas drive

I am not shooting Christmas lights this year because it is hard work and being retired I no longer have to photograph the season, but I do like this house all pretty in white.

And on my way home from a Christmas party I snapped this photo of a lone car.

Shortest day of the year...

2011-12-22T00:05:00.025-05:00

Winter Solstice

“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~ Percy Bysshe Shelley

Happy Winter Solstice! Beginning tomorrow, our days will begin to inch into spring.

filtered photo

Appalachian Piecework in Staunton

2011-12-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

Appalachian Piecework in Staunton

"A community without an active art community supported by the community is nothing more than a community without ideas."

Kudos to Staunton, VA. There is welcomed talent on every corner. Not too late to check out Appalachian Piecework for that special lover of earthly things on your list.

A very Russian Christmas

2011-12-21T00:42:00.018-05:00

A very Russian Christmas

С Рождеством

All ornaments handmade and bought in Russia.

Straight out of the IPhone. Yes, I am, getting lazy.

Fog

2011-12-20T00:56:00.005-05:00

Carl Sandburg poem FOG, Carl Sandburg National Historic Site

The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

I have always loved this simple poem by Carl Sandburg, one of my favorite poets. I used to spend a lot of time at his home-place in Flat Rock, NC, near Hendersonville. Sandburg was not born in Flat Rock, but he spent the last 22 years of his life writing and enjoying the vast views that surrounded his home on the 30 acre estate which has been expanded to over 200 breathtaking acres that includes ponds, over thirty structures, and 5 miles of hiking trails. Mrs. Sandburg kept prized goats as a hobby and the federal government declared the goats a historic herd; At least fifteen dairy herd are always on hand. Visitors can tour the home, long a national historic site, with park officials or wander the grounds. Take a lunch and enjoy both history and the natural world in one trip.

Though these photos were taken in West Virginia, the elegant words of Sandburg's short poem are the first thing that pop into my head whenever I come upon fog, or fog comes upon me. I wanted to dig through my negatives and find some photos from the home-place, but that will have to wait for another day. Might be faster to jump in the car and make another trip. Umm? Tempting.

Last of the mountain apples

2011-12-19T08:40:00.001-05:00

Last of the mountain apples

When the bold branches
Bid farewell to rainbow leaves -
Welcome wool sweaters." ~ B. Cybrill

Holiday Cheers from Staunton, VA

2011-12-18T00:30:00.003-05:00

Staunton, VA Christmas tree

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air." ~ W.T. Ellis

If you have never been to Staunton, you still have time to pick up a present or two before Christmas. The town is full of the most marvelous artists of all sorts, coffee houses, and antique shops.

Travel tip: Check out the American Shakespeare Center - Blackfriars Playhouse. It is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theater. It is a gorgeous building that delivers year-round plays. We thoroughly enjoyed a showing of A Christmas Carol. Check out their website and be prepared to be entertained.

How are you helping the poor?

2011-12-17T11:21:00.000-05:00

Poverty stock photo

“We cannot suffer with the poor when we are unwilling to confront those persons and systems that cause poverty. We cannot set the captives free when we do not want to confront those who carry the keys. We cannot profess our solidarity with those who are oppressed when we are unwilling to confront the oppressor. Compassion without confrontation fades quickly to fruitless sentimental commiseration.” ~ Henri J. M. Nouwen, Donald P. McNeill, Douglas A. Morrison: Compassion, page 122

Photo published in Christian Science Monitor

Loving the back roads...

2011-12-16T10:13:00.000-05:00

Old Barn in West VA

“The everyday kindness of the back roads more than makes up for the acts of greed in the headlines.” ~ Charles Kuralt

Phone booths go the way of the dinosaur

2011-12-15T00:30:00.054-05:00

Phone booths go the way of the dinosaur

Remember when if you needed to make a call while on the road you had to drive for miles to find a pay phone? In my case they seemed to be everywhere, except when I needed one the most.
I soon learned where the pay phones were in my territory but sometimes they were occupied, for a long time. People got comfy in those booths. "Hey, can you speed it up there?"

Before cell phones, working for a newspaper and keeping in touch was difficult. I got my assignments in the mornings but had to call in every few hours to find out what was going on or to see if I needed to head in another direction. Now phone booths are practically non-existent.

FYI: The first commercial mobile phone was released in Sweden in 1956. The first state to offer mobile telephone service was Kansas; released in Brewster by the S&T Telephone Company.

In 1960, Sweden was the first to offer a partly automatic car phone. It would take another 11 years before S&T applied for cellular service with the FCC. In 1984, Bell Labs developed modern commercial cellular technology.

Memories: I remember seeing a few "wealthy" people walking around in the mid-eighties with those big-old phones. To say that we have come a long way since then would be an understatement. Once affordable cell phones became available to the public I was one of the first customers in line. I was giddy over my phone. Little did I know at the time there would be days I would curse my phone. The days of, "Honest, boss, I looked everywhere for a phone booth," and "I got side tracked by a couple of feature shots," were over.

Black Cat

2011-12-14T00:16:00.018-05:00

Black cat

"Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well." - Missy Dizick

One of our son's four cats, sneaking around the corner. She's never evil or cruel, or even sneaky. She just looks that way.

Behind barbed wire...

2011-12-13T10:55:00.012-05:00

Poverty stock photo

“Once poverty is gone, we'll need to build museums to display its horrors to future generations. They'll wonder why poverty continued so long in human society - how a few people could live in luxury while billions dwelt in misery, deprivation and despair.”
~ Muhammad Yunus

Target Practice

2011-12-12T05:15:00.001-05:00

Target Practice

“Here's looking at you, kid.” ~ Humphrey Bogart

Once again, we don't hunt, but we love a little target practice on a crisp fall day.

And when we are not out shootin' in the woods, we enjoy chilling out with old friends...

Rembering warmer days

2011-12-12T00:01:00.002-05:00

Barns in Garrett County, Maryland

"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." ~ Russel Baker

Summer: "Do you miss me yet?"

"Indeed. Indeed."

Trees of Winter

2011-12-11T05:41:00.007-05:00

"Blow, blow, thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind as man's ingratitude." ~ William Shakespeare

The Alexandra, the Susan, and Vaud

2011-12-11T00:13:00.011-05:00

Cape May, NJ fishing boats, The Alexandra, the Susan, and Vaud

Blackwater Falls State Park, West VA

2011-12-10T00:25:00.067-05:00

Blackwater Falls State Park, West VA

I hope to get some nice frozen waterfall photos on my next trip. Winter is a great time for photographers to trek down to the falls. Take a tripod for some dramatic photos. I had left mine back in the car and did not care to make two trips up those steep two-hundred and something steps. Call me lazy, but sometimes I like to shoot with what I have and not make a whole day's production out of it. I am supposed to be having fun now. Check out their website for travel tips.

Mountain roads

2011-12-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

Mountain roads

I love winding mountain roads. They always lead to the nicest people.

Eastern Shore Magazine, December 2011

2011-12-09T16:41:00.000-05:00

Eastern Shore Magazine

Pick up a copy of What's Up? Eastern Shore magazine and read the article on community dinners. On pages 24 and 25 you will see my photos. On page 22 there is a yummy crab recipe for Chesapeake Eggs Benedict. Not my photo, but you can sure bet I am going to make some of those for the holidays.

IPhone photo

You gotta buy the magazine to read the story. One correction: top left photo is not Church of God. It was taken at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Church of God photos here.

No matter, you can always get a good meal at a community dinner.

IPhone pre-party snap

2011-12-09T16:23:00.000-05:00

IPhone party snap

Took this photo yesterday while getting ready for a party.

Welcome Home

2011-12-09T00:20:00.001-05:00

State of Maryland sign
When traveling, always nice to be back in the State of Maryland.

Thomas West VA Volunteer Fire Department

2011-12-08T00:11:00.204-05:00

Thomas West VA Volunteer Fire Department

Whenever we go to the family compound in Western Maryland,

we take to the roads after hiking the property until our legs are sore, and then explore the surrounding area in Maryland and West VA., driving deep into the West VA Mountains. Not far up the road from the compound is Thomas, WV, where we have met a lot of talented artists, interesting travelers, and my favorite person, J.R. We never fail to look J.R. up when in the area, and on this trip he took us to the firehouse where he has been a volunteer firefighter for 40 years. But before we left for our tour he showed us photos of Santa with children and nursing home residents. I knew he was an amazing person when I saw him sitting in a webbed lawn chair in front of his house watching the traffic go by (yes, I break for interesting people), but who would have known he was Santa?

We chatted a while, as we always do...

And then moved to his house for more chatting...

Then on to the firehouse...

In this day and age we are taught to be wary of strangers, but there are no strangers to true photojournalists. I have known many photographers who I consider to be good at what they do but they just can't take that first step out of the car or approach someone on the street unless they have a specific assignment handed to them by a photo editor, so they end up spending their lives shooting the standard blah-blah news and features, or worse, succumbing to weddings or studio portraits (don't write me. I love weddings, but shooting them is, well, for wedding photographers), or sneaking photos of people in candid "street photography." Street photography has its place, but even when I take candid shots, time permitting, I like to talk to my subjects. How much shy photographers miss.

As I have said before, strangers have enriched my life more than friends because they broaden my world. It's people like J.R. along with the many thousands of people I have photographed during my career, on the spur of the moment, that keeps me slamming on my car breaks. Someone once said that a photographers most important piece of equipment was their car breaks. So true. So true.

J.R. wants to remind everyone that on Saturday, June 23, 2012, the fire department will participate in the 4th of July parade in Thomas. After the parade, firefighters will show off their skills. I will be there. I can't wait to see them slide across the river on an overhead rope. Whoo hoo!

St. Nicolas Russian Icon and fossilized ivory broach

2011-12-07T17:38:00.000-05:00

St. Nicolas Russian Icon and fossilized ivory

I am not a jewelry person, but one of my favorite pieces is a 14K gold camera charm that I wear on a chain. I have never seen one quite like it. I received it in 1986, and though not a Christmas present, I wear it 80% of the time.

My two favorite Christmas jewelry presents are a silver 1913 Russian icon of St. Nicolas, Russia's most beloved saint...

My people were from Russia, so this is very meaningful to me.

and a custom-made scrimshaw fossilized ivory broach (can also be worn as a necklace) made by a well know Virginia artist who has created many custom pieces for famous people.

What's it all mean? Cat, as I said before is our Siamese. He is holding an M-16 (should have been an M-14, but we aren't complaining). My husband was a USMC door gunner in Vietnam. He is also a folk artist who paints both happy scenes and memories of his time in Vietnam. No matter what the subject matter, he always incorporates a white dog and fireballs into his paintings. He calls the fireballs, "Messages from Nam." When he was stationed at Marble Mountain a little white dog hung around his hooch, soon becoming one of his many lucky charms.

I hate to say it, but even this photo does not do this piece justice. It took the designer over two months to complete it, and the details are just gorgeous. You can't see it in this photo, but there are even little dead mice kill-marks on the gun. Imagine doing all that delicate work on such a small canvas?

Postcard from paradise...

2011-12-07T00:10:00.011-05:00

Postcard from paradise...

Brick Kiln Beach. Cold this time of year, but still pretty.

Two Tuesday Crosses...

2011-12-06T00:06:00.006-05:00

Two Tuesday Crosses...

A little black and white

2011-12-05T00:02:00.001-05:00

Black and white old house

"He who loves an old house never loves never loves in vain." ~ Isabel La Howe Conant

Waiting in Baltimore

2011-12-04T00:10:00.049-05:00

Waiting in Baltimore

"I dream that someday the step between my mind and my finger will no longer be needed. And that simply by blinking my eyes, I shall make pictures. Then, I think, I shall really have become a photographer." ~ Alfred Eisenstaedt

I snapped this photo in Baltimore, Md., while stopped at a street light. It was a gray, dismal day, and the brilliant background colors drew my attention away from the traffic and towards the two people waiting at the bus station. As I study the photo now, I see one person was in deep thought, while the other person was engaged in the moment. Yes, I cut their feet off, but what do you expect? I grabbed the fist camera I could get my hands on and got off one shot before the light changed. Besides, a little lower, and you would have seen my car window. Eisenstaedt's quote has been the thought of many a photographer. With technology moving so fast, who knows? Click may one day be Blink.

Classic Cakes in Salisbury, MD

2011-12-02T18:53:00.002-05:00

Classic Cakes in Salisbury, MD

Happy Birthday to Lindsey. We enjoyed the party, and the cake was dee-licious.

I snapped this with my IPhone in low light, no editing.

Head to the Mar-Va Theater in Pocomoke for some Christmas fun...

2011-12-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

Christmas movies at Mar-Va Theater in Pocomoke

Sit back, relax in Pocomoke's historical theater, and enjoy some family classics. And don't forget the popcorn and candy.

Theater is located at 103 Market St. Phone: 410.957.4230.

Wegmans in Salisbury, MD?

2011-12-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

Wegmans in Salisbury, MD?

Wegmans in Salisbury, MD? No, but it would be nice not to have to travel to Bel Air for my specialty items. We made a side trip into Fredrick last week, while on our way to the mountains, to shop at this Wegmans. It is a Disney Land of food. I sent a request to their home office to put Salisbury on their "build" list. You can contact them and let them know you would like a Wegmans, too. Trust me, everything you could ever want in food is in that store, and it is all fresh!

Speaking of specialty items...

Truffles under lock and key. No, I did not buy any.

Photos straight out of IPhone, and no, there is no app that can replace even my 28 lens.

All I want for Christmas is an Emperor Chair

2011-12-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

Emperor Chair

Very inviting computer chair - adjustable with three monitors, and oodles of bells and whistles that do more than look and sound pretty.

My husband beat me to it.

After enjoying a little time in the Emperor chair, I decided to add it to the top of my Christmas wish list. I could really get some work done in this, uh?

The Christmas Shop in Thomas, WV

2011-12-01T01:18:00.001-05:00

The Christmas Shop in Thomas, WV

“Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents” ~ Louisa May Alcott

Check out The Christmas Shop in Thomas for home decorations, gifts, and tree ornaments.

My new friend J.R., volunteer firefighter and seasonal Santa, though I think he is Santa all year, poses with owner of Christmas Shop.

House, house house...

2011-11-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

Unique house in Cape May

"An idea is salvation by imagination." ~Frank Lloyd Wright

We enjoy looking at houses when we travel out of the area. My comments are usually, "House, house, house," because modern houses, like cars, all seem to be made from cookie-cutters, so I am always excited when I find a house like this, made in a time when imagination, quality, and individuality dictated the design of homes.

Rome Colosseum

2011-11-29T01:14:00.058-05:00

Rome Colosseum

Unlike the people shown in the photo, you can't wear t-shirts this time of year, but you can catch some great travel bargains. December temperatures average 56°F during the day. Rain averages 4.80 in. - January and February temps are about the same, but rainfall is less, especially in February. Christmas in Rome is beautiful, and going in January and February is a great way to stave off those winter blues. Added bonus: All that walking is a good way to get rid of those extra pounds you put on during the holidays. Travel Tip: Pay extra for a personal guide. And pay even extra for a good one. If you go this time of year, lines won't be so long, but in the warmer months, the lines are blocks long. A personal guide has free range, by-passing the lines. We are looking to go back next September when the day temps are

79°F.

Food for thought...

2011-11-28T13:50:00.000-05:00

Poverty stock photo

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." ~Mother Teresa

The Military Exchange in Delmar, DE

2011-11-28T13:35:00.000-05:00

The Military Exchange in Delmar, Delaware

I have been a fan of the Zombie Squad for a long time. It is always a good idea to be prepared, and where else to pick up clothing and supplies than at a military store? They carry a variety of items for military collectors, law-enforcement officials, hunters, or just people like me who are ready to "bug in" or "out," in case of an emergency. They have some nice warm woollies, too. Check them out at 38660 Sussex Hwy.

Although the CDC has no official ties to the Zombie Squad, they have released info on being prepared for anything, including zombies. Click on link to visit the CDC site.

I pulled this photo from a future post of me wearing a Zombie Squad tee. I just bought some of those warm woollies at the Military Exchange for the upcoming cold weather. Where is winter? Oh, who cares? It can stay away.